This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
America's snobby cities: Pasadena tops the list. But you disagree!
File: Pasadena City Hall
(
Michael Chen/flickr Creative Commons
)
Real estate blog Movoto recently posted a ranking of America's top 10 snobbiest midsize cities — and California took six out of the 10 spots on the list, with Pasadena No. 1.
Other California cities that made the top 10 list — chosen from 100 cities across the country — included Thousand Oaks, Glendale and Fullerton.
The list was determined based on factors including home prices, incomes, education, local places to see the performing arts, country clubs and more, according to Movoto.
But when we asked you and other KPCC users what you thought of the list, you let us know that it bothered you. Here's what you had to say about it:
"Why does this survey consider education and art appreciation to be snobby? I don't get it...but then I do live in South Pasadena." —Stephanie Stein on KPCC's Facebook page
Sponsored message
"Pasadena does indeed top lists for education levels, private schools, art, culture, etc, but using those to define 'snobiness' is stupid." —Hometown Pasadena's Colleen Dunn Bates on KPCC's Facebook page
"Not sure why Fullerton is on the list..lol..I live in Orange County and when people think of snobby areas, they would think more about where I live in south Orange County, not Fullerton. Pasadena may be number one but I love that town." —Elizabeth Domingos-Shepard on KPCC's Facebook page
"If that's their criteria then 'snobby' now means 'balanced cultural place of health' and the real snobs in Maryland and upstate New York, Bev hills and southern Nashville can take the 'elite snobs' title."
- Santa Barbara
- Santa Clarita/Valencia
- Glendora
- Mission Viejo
- Beverly Hills
- Santa Monica
- Newport Beach
- Hermosa Beach
- Malibu
- South Pasadena
- Irvine
- Maywood
- Bellflower
- San Diego beach cities
Of course, a few people didn't think it was worth discussing and even registered their disapproval:
"Who cares what a random website think." —Luke Mabaquiao on Facebook
"This type of thing is beneath KPCC. I come here for much snobbier reporting." —Matt Ziemer on Facebook
"How bout KPCC as snobs? Yes, I think so." —Abel Abel on Facebook
Sponsored message
We'd still love to hear your thoughts and comments. Let us know your thoughts on city snobbery on Facebook or in the comments below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
